Exchange Implants

Introduction

Breast augmentation (breast enlargement) is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available today for a multitude of good reasons. The surgery is safe, predictable, at an affordable price and can produce significant changes in a woman's appearance almost instantaneously. Patient satisfaction is extremely high due to improved self-confidence, a more aesthetic and proportionate body contour, and better fitting clothing. Every year more and more women elect to undergo this surgery, often after seeing excellent results in friends or relatives.

However, one common misconception of women considering breast augmentation is that once the implants are placed, they stay in permanently. Although there certainly are women who have had the same implants for many decades, most women will have their implants exchanged within the first ten to fifteen years after surgery for various reasons. This implant exchange procedure is generally much easier and less invasive than the original surgery, since the pocket for the breast implant already exists.

Change in size

One of the most frequent reasons for implant removal and replacement is the woman's desire to change the size of the implants. The majority of women who have breast augmentation surgery are extremely happy with their new size. Some women, however, decide later on that they would be happier with a change in cup size. In such cases, these women elect to have their implants removed and replaced with larger or smaller implants.

This surgery is usually quite straight forward but may involve changing the pocket and performing a capsulotomy (incision of the breast capsule). For more information on breast augmentation click here.

Capsular contracture

Some patients may get capsular contracture following their breast augmentation which is always discussed by Mr Banwell at the time of consultation. In such cases, the capsule needs to be removed (capsulectomy) and the breast implants replaced. Sometimes, in discussion with the patient, Mr Banwell may perform uplift surgery at the same time. Please click here for more information on capsular contracture or here for information on augmentation mastopexy.

Breast Implant Rippling

Unfortunately implant rippling is not uncommon especially in slim ladies with a thin breast skin envelope. Placing the breast implant (prosthesis) under the muscle may help minimise this but it can still occur regardless. This is sometimes difficult to correct but replacing the implants with a more cohesive gel prosthesis may be helpful and Mr Banwell would be delighted to discuss this with you at consultation.